I'm not fighting with myself. Oh, my God. That's how I am. You know, the story of the hippo? The hippo comes to the monkey and said, listen, I'm not a hippo. So, he paint himself like a zebra. He said but he's still a hippo. He said but look at you, you're painted like a zebra but you are a hippo. So then he goes, you know, like I want be a little parrot. So, he put the colours on him and he comes to the monkey and said but, sorry, you are a hippo. So, in the end, you know, he comes and said I'm happy to be a hippo. This is who I am. So, I have to be who I am and he's happy being a hippo.
Marat SafinMy mother said I would have more chances to become a tennis player than a football player.
Marat SafinI've felt it (shoulder soreness) since the first day I came, but more so now. Yesterday in the doubles I felt like I couldn't serve at all. I had a lot of pain. I decided to stop because without the serve it doesn't make any sense. It's better to stop and try to recover. If you play, you play 100 percent, not to suffer on the court...Hopefully I'll be ready for the Australian Open. I'll ask for a late start and try to recover. I can playing forehand, backhand, anything except serve.
Marat SafinRight now my main aim is not to get injured any more. I am a little bit afraid of running and sliding because the ankle was so painful. But I am not a person who runs a lot, who spends a lot of energy on the court. If I am mentally OK, if nothing is bothering me and I want to play, then it is fine.
Marat Safin